JAMES Hill has joined Scottish Premiership outfit Heart of Midlothian on loan until the end of the season.

Centre-back Hill, who turns 21 tomorrow, has struggled for first-team game-time since arriving at Cherries from Fleetwood Town a year ago.

Following his £1million move, Hill has featured just four times in competitive action, and is still awaiting his Premier League debut.

Robbie Neilson's Jam Tarts currently sit third in the Scottish top flight, but have been seeking defensive reinforcements due to injury concerns within the squad.

"I’m happy that we’ve been able to bring James in until the end of the season," Neilson told Hearts' website.

"James has fantastic experience of playing at a high level down south and with England under-20s and u21s and I’m sure that will stand him in good stead when the time comes for him to play for Hearts.”

Sporting director Joe Savage added: "James was a man in demand and we’ve managed to beat off a lot of competition to get him, so we’re really pleased.

“Being able to bring in players from England, particularly an England u21 international like James, shows how highly regarded this club is held in footballing circles and that’s credit to all of the hard work that’s done on and off the park at Hearts.

“We know the areas we want to strengthen and our fans can rest assured that we’re continuing to work away to make sure that this is a successful transfer window for the club.”

Discussing the England under-21 international last week, Cherries boss Gary O'Neil told the Daily Echo: “I think James Hill is a young centre-back that did well in League One, has shown signs of improvement, especially in the last few weeks I’ve been really pleased with him in training.

"Playing football is huge, especially at that age.

“For a centre-back, he’s still very, very young and has a lot still to learn."